Easter in Glacier Country

Here in New Zealand, Easter has a much different meaning than in most places I can think of. Instead of preparing a home cooked meal, watching the kids scurry for hidden eggs or wake up early for mass, they do a little hunting. Most of the locals actually pack up and get out of town on the last vacation before winter really takes hold. We chose the latter of the two activities and  headed west across the Alps and then south once hitting the coast. The road is often windy (curvy) and the rain was relentless at times. But we finally made it to the Franz Josef Glacier. It is quite impressive even under the less-than-perfect weather we experienced and Little Man did quite well on the road and really learned a lot! I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

Breaker...Breaker: Basketball Diaries

Big ups to the New Zealand Breakers basketball team for winning their first final game ever. The Kiwis are now only 1 game away from winning a best-of-3 series against the, you guessed it, Australians (of course all the other teams in the league are Aussies). It would truly be sweet as to see the Breakers win the first ever NBL Championship for Aotearoa.

On the baby front, little Logan will likely be headed back to the library tomorrow for the Lakers game and some solid picturebook study.

Stay-at-Holmes: Tip of the Moment #2

This tip is related to cooking. Whenever handling hot peppers such as jalapeno, habanero, etc., don't attempt to change a diaper without thoroughly washing your hands. Caught myself a couple of days ago and averted a fiery surprise for little man.

The Best First

All you parents out there can relate to my reaction to a child's first real laugh. Little man had a chuckle fit yesterday that gave a glimpse into his wee personality and put a smile on my face. They change and grow so fast.

Here are few quotes about laughter...

I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.
Woody Allen

Everybody laughs the same in every language because laughter is a universal connection.
Yakov Smirnoff

The more you find out about the world, the more opportunities there are to laugh at it.
Bill Nye

I would not exchange the laughter of my heart for the fortunes of the multitudes.
Kahlil Gibran

Does anyone remember laughter?
Robert Plant

When you see something funny, one thing you might do is laugh.
Mr. Mum

May the Schwartzel be with you.

Woke up this morning with a mean hankerin' for some final round Master's action. I have been deprived the past few days due to a lack of cable TV and having been repeatedly denied online streaming attempts because of broadcasting rights. So wee man and I packed up and headed to the library once again (it is our Super Bowl headquarters as well) to catch the final hour of golf from Augusta. I forgot the camera to capture the moment but rest assured he was fixed on the screen in anticipation (and possibly constipation). It was a lose-lose situation for the Kiwis as the top contenders represented the staunchest rugby rivalry nations; Australia and South Africa. Oh well, back to the cave for some Mr. Mumming. Good on ya Schwartzel.

It's not like flying to Schenectady...

Sorry about the pre-commercial, but it's worth the wait. 

Autumn (Fall)

For most of you in Mr. Mum's World, spring is springing, nearly sprung or downright spranged. The days are getting progressively longer and life in many ways is coming forth anew. But to your yin, I bear witness to the lower latitude yang. The fall nip is in the air on the heels of our first southerly cold front; a stiff breeze pushes children back into the classroom. The plants have begun their religious retreat into root and bulb, seed and stem. And I, Mr. Mum, am happy to be.

Binge Drinking: A Milk Maniac in the Making

Yesterday was a hell-day for Mr. Mum. It took me far too long to figure out that my son woke up on the rip, forcing an early withdrawal of mother's milk from the Freezer Bank. He took down 2 bottles in 1 hour. In hindsight, I probably should not have slipped him into his bear outfit after mom left for work, because that is exactly what he became.

DID YOU KNOW?? 
New Zealand is the world's largest dairy exporter and in the 1970's developed the first spreadable butter!

Killer Workout Video

Thanks to Zach for this awesome video. Please enjoy.

iPood on my Shirt

There must be some apps that can handle the craps, and old school cartoons I can stream from iTunes. And if all else fails when adjusting my mood, I can reach for the headphones and rock my iPood.

Stay-at-Homes: Tip of the Moment #1

If your keen on maintaining any semblance of your former self, listen up. Make sure you have a diaper bag that doesn't look like a diaper bag. It must have neutral style and maximum function.

Aftershocks on the Couch

I'm sure I speak for everyone here in Chch that I'm sick of earthquakes. We had a couple of aftershocks last night and somehow I woke up on the couch (baby is likely the cause). They've taken lives, buildings and made life generally miserable for most people. I can't play in my monday night indoor footy because the building is shut and I can't sail wednesdays because the skipper lost his house. I see books in my future this winter...